Innovating the Social Sciences

Innovating the Social Sciences
Author: Luk van Langenhove
Publisher:
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2007
Genre: Scientism
ISBN:

"This is a book about the necessities and possibilities of innovations in the social sciences in order to realize societal changes. The natural sciences became the dominant model for the social sciences, resulting in positivism as ideology and in the organizational structuring of the social sciences into disciplines. In order to overcome the problems of scientism, a shift to a radical new ontological framework is necessary. In parallel, it is necessary to introduce participative research designs, move concepts and theories from one discipline to another and focus upon developing worldviews. Innovations in the social sciences are possible and necessary. But for these to happen, new societal pressures and demands will have to be present. Changing the social sciences is not a voluntary process that can be undertaken by social scientists alone." (Publisher's website)

ICTs and Innovation for Didactics of Social Sciences

ICTs and Innovation for Didactics of Social Sciences
Author: Delgado-Algarra, Emilio José
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 295
Release: 2020-02-14
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1799828840

The advancement of technology in today’s world has led to the progression of several professional fields. This includes the classroom, as teachers have begun using new technological strategies to increase student involvement and motivation. ICT innovation including virtual reality and blended learning methods has changed the scope of classroom environments across the globe; however, significant research is lacking in this area. ICTs and Innovation for Didactics of Social Sciences is a fundamental reference focused on didactics of social sciences and ICTs including issues related to innovation, resources, and strategies for teachers that can link to the transformation of social sciences teaching and learning as well as societal transformation. While highlighting topics such as blended learning, augmented reality, and virtual classrooms, this book is ideally designed for researchers, administrators, educators, practitioners, and students interested in understanding current relevant ICT resources and innovative strategies for the didactic of social sciences and didactic possibilities in relation to concrete conceptual contents, resolution of problems, planning, decision making, development of social skills, attention, and motivation promoting a necessary technological literacy.

The SAGE Handbook of Innovation in Social Research Methods

The SAGE Handbook of Innovation in Social Research Methods
Author: Malcolm Williams
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 665
Release: 2011-04-19
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1412946484

Social research is a bourgeoning field. Of course it has many traditions and approaches, but there is a high premium upon thinking differently and thinking anew because social life is never static or wholly predictable. The Handbook, edited by internationally recognized scholars, provides a comprehensive, pitch-perfect critical assessment of the field. The main features of the Handbook are: Clear organization into 4 parts dealing with The Social Context of Research; Design and Data Collection; Integrating The Analysis of New Data Types; Sampling, Inference and Measurement Clear, cutting edge chapters on Objectivity; Causation; Organizing Social Research; Correspondence Analysis; Grounded Theory; Conversational Surveys; Mixed Methods; Meta-Analysis; Optimal Matching Analysis; GIS Analysis; Quantitative Narrative Analysis; Longitudinal Studies; SEM; MLM; Qualitative Comparative Analysis; Respondent Driven Sampling Brings together a glittering assembly of the key figures working in the field of research methods Demonstrates the continuities and productive tensions between classical traditions and real world research. The result is a superbly organized text which will be required reading for anyone interested in the routes and future of social research. It is an unparalleled teaching resource and a 'must have' for serious social researchers.

Engineering a Better Future

Engineering a Better Future
Author: Eswaran Subrahmanian
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2018-11-12
Genre: Education
ISBN: 3319911341

This open access book examines how the social sciences can be integrated into the praxis of engineering and science, presenting unique perspectives on the interplay between engineering and social science. Motivated by the report by the Commission on Humanities and Social Sciences of the American Association of Arts and Sciences, which emphasizes the importance of social sciences and Humanities in technical fields, the essays and papers collected in this book were presented at the NSF-funded workshop ‘Engineering a Better Future: Interplay between Engineering, Social Sciences and Innovation’, which brought together a singular collection of people, topics and disciplines. The book is split into three parts: A. Meeting at the Middle: Challenges to educating at the boundaries covers experiments in combining engineering education and the social sciences; B. Engineers Shaping Human Affairs: Investigating the interaction between social sciences and engineering, including the cult of innovation, politics of engineering, engineering design and future of societies; and C. Engineering the Engineers: Investigates thinking about design with papers on the art and science of science and engineering practice.

Technology and Innovation for Social Change

Technology and Innovation for Social Change
Author: Satyajit Majumdar
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2014-12-04
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 8132220714

Tension exists between technologists and social thinkers because of the impact technology and innovation have on social values and norms, which is often viewed as damaging to the cultural fabric of a nation or society. Since the global business environment is the context in which implementation of technology and innovation takes place, it is widely accepted as the major reason for such conflicts. In this backdrop, this edited book integrates independent research from across the globe. It deals with the nature and significance of technology, innovation and social change as well as the relationships between them, and discusses the significance of social entrepreneurship from social innovation and technology perspectives. Research areas covered are related to the development and deployment of technology, innovation and knowledge in social change, capabilities of institutions, models, role of government and corporate social responsibility and community involvement. Multiple aspects of social change are discussed in the context of India, Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Nigeria and other African countries. But society does not silently accept technologically enforced changes; sometimes technology is seen as an enemy of inclusive growth and for many, economic development is an anti-thesis of social change. Selected case studies on sector-specific technologies, such as the use of genetically modified seeds in agriculture, which has impacted the market and society, are critically analyzed to develop insights into the adoption of technology and its impact. At the same time it examines policy related issues, without any bias in favor of, or against, a specific technology.

Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Social Innovation

Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Social Innovation
Author: Weerakoon, Chamindika
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 265
Release: 2020-12-25
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1799845893

Social innovation is identified as a mechanism response to burning social challenges and the evolution of hybrid organizations such as social enterprises. As a result, there is an overwhelming growing interest among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to know more about the significant concept of social innovation. Despite this significance, it is often argued that the meaning of social innovation is ambiguous and vague with theory lagging social innovation practice as the field is nascent, emerging, and remains underdeveloped. This may impede the research endeavors of conceptualizing and establishing its socio-economic underpinnings and the legitimization of the field. Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Social Innovation illuminates and consolidates multiple views of social innovation theory, research, and practice, which to date have not been presented in one publication. The book provides an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding coupled with an assessment of the current research in multidisciplinary perspectives complemented by case studies representing each knowledge cluster in social innovation research. In this unique way, this book links theory to practice demonstrating praxis. While highlighting topics such as social enterprise, urban studies, management, ecological resilience, and social policy and networks, this book is ideal for students, academics, practitioners, researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge, skills, and passion, and to sustainably pursue their social missions to bring about real social change that can transform communities and ignite innovative approaches to solving social challenges.

Policy and Governance of Science, Technology, and Innovation

Policy and Governance of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Author: Gonzalo Ordóñez-Matamoros
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 351
Release: 2021-10-19
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 3030808327

This volume explores the governance and management of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in relation to innovation policy and governance systems, highlighting its goal, challenges, and opportunities. Divided into two sections, it addresses the role of governments in promoting innovation in Latin-American contexts as well as barriers and opportunities for STI governance in the region. The chapters tackle the role of institutions, innovation funding, technological trajectories, regional innovation policies, innovation ecosystems, universities, knowledge appropriation, and markets. Researchers and scholars will find an opportunity to grasp a better understanding of innovation policies in emerging economies. This interdisciplinary work presents original research on science, technology and innovation policy and governance studies in an understudied region.

A Research Agenda for Social Innovation

A Research Agenda for Social Innovation
Author: Jürgen Howaldt
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Total Pages:
Release: 2021-11-09
Genre:
ISBN: 9781789909340

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This insightful Research Agenda offers unique perspectives into the different strands of social innovation research, covering the history and theory of this ever-growing research field. Chapters show the range and depth of the social advances that characterize this vibrant and contested subject, and analyse the strong increase in political and public interest in social innovation. Exploring the potential influence of social innovation on important social factors, the Research Agenda looks at education, poverty reduction, environmental policies, and health and social care. Contributors examine the approaches and successful initiatives that illustrate the strengths of social innovations in manifold areas and in establishing sustainable patterns of consumption, while coping with demographic change. Possible future research pathways are outlined and new topics such as social innovation ecosystems, epistemic diversities and sustainable development are examined in detail. This discerning and innovative Research Agenda will be an ideal read for social innovation researchers, policy-makers and innovation-policy stakeholders. It will be a welcome addition to the literature for innovation practitioners and entrepreneurs looking for theoretical insights into this influential subject.

Design for Social Innovation

Design for Social Innovation
Author: Mariana Amatullo
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 487
Release: 2021-11-29
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 1000464512

The United Nations, Australia Post, and governments in the UK, Finland, Taiwan, France, Brazil, and Israel are just a few of the organizations and groups utilizing design to drive social change. Grounded by a global survey in sectors as diverse as public health, urban planning, economic development, education, humanitarian response, cultural heritage, and civil rights, Design for Social Innovation captures these stories and more through 45 richly illustrated case studies from six continents. From advocating to understanding and everything in between, these cases demonstrate how designers shape new products, services, and systems while transforming organizations and supporting individual growth. How is this work similar or different around the world? How are designers building sustainable business practices with this work? Why are organizations investing in design capabilities? What evidence do we have of impact by design? Leading practitioners and educators, brought together in seven dynamic roundtable discussions, provide context to the case studies. Design for Social Innovation is a must-have for professionals, organizations, and educators in design, philanthropy, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. This book marks the first attempt to define the contours of a global overview that showcases the cultural, economic, and organizational levers propelling design for social innovation forward today.

Social Innovations in the Urban Context

Social Innovations in the Urban Context
Author: Taco Brandsen
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 309
Release: 2016-04-05
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 3319215515

This book addresses the practice of social innovation, which is currently very much in the public eye. New ideas and approaches are needed to tackle the severe and wicked problems with which contemporary societies are struggling. Especially in times of economic crisis, social innovation is regarded as one of the crucial elements needed to move forward. Our knowledge of its dynamics has significantly progressed, thanks to an abundance of studies on social innovation both general and sector-specific. However, despite the valuable research conducted over the past years, the systematic analysis of social innovation is still contested and incomplete. The questions asked in the book will be the following: 1. What is the nature of social innovations? 2.What patterns can be identified in social innovations emerging at the local level? 3.How is the emergence and spread of social innovations related to urban governance? More precisely, which conditions and arrangements facilitate and hinders social innovation? We explore these questions using different types of data and methods, and studying different contexts. In particular, we focus on innovations that aim at solving problems of the young unemployed, single parents and migrants. This analysis is based on original research carried out in the period 2010-2013 in the framework of a European project with a specific empirical research strategy. Research was carried out in 20 cities in 10 different European countries.